Lucas
What Trinity has done with her venue literally takes my breath away.
The old theater she eventually secured thanks to Egret—and don’t get me started on how I feel about that—has been transformed into something truly magical. Crystal chandeliers hang from the restored ceiling, casting prismatic light across polished hardwood floors. The stage, now converted into a stunning presentation area, features Trinity’s company logo in subtle, tasteful lighting.
I pause at the entrance, watching corporate representatives in sleek suits mingle with potential clients and industry veterans. Trinity has outdone herself, creating a space that perfectly balances elegance with functionality.
“There’s Matheo,” Cash murmurs beside me, nodding toward the far corner where our packmate is taking photographs of the event. “We should go say hello.”
“In a minute,” I reply, spotting Trinity across the room.
One look tells me everything I need to know. She’s wearing a stunning black dress that hugs her curves perfectly, but beneath her professional smile, exhaustion shadows her eyes. She’s been working eighteen-hour days for weeks to prepare for this launch, and I can feel her fatigue through our bond.
“I’ll catch up with you,” I tell Cash, making a detour to the refreshment table.
I collect a small plate of hors d’oeuvres—the crab puffsshe kept raving about during the tasting, some of those little cucumber things she likes, and a few chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Trinity needs fuel. Whether or not she realizes it, her engine can’t run exclusively on determination and self-sacrifice.
I time my approach perfectly, reaching her just as she breaks away from a conversation with a potential client who looks ready to sign a contract on the spot.
“Here,” I say, offering the plate as she turns to me. “When’s the last time you actually ate something?”
Trinity’s face softens when she sees me, that special smile she reserves just for our pack. She immediately grabs a crab puff and pops it into her mouth, closing her eyes briefly in appreciation.
“I definitely ate today,” she says, chewing. “I had to taste-test all the canapés this morning. That counts.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Sampling bite-sized food at nine in the morning isn’t a meal.”
“It was very thorough sampling,” she protests, but takes another crab puff. “We’re supposed to go to dinner after this, anyway.”
I watch Trinity devour another crab puff, my eyes tracing the movement of her throat as she swallows. My mind wanders to all the ways I could ensure she takes proper care of herself. If sweet words won’t work, perhaps more... creative methods might be necessary.
“You know,” I say, lowering my voice to a growl only she can hear. “If you pass out from hunger, I’m going to tie you to our bed and force-feed you every meal for the next week.”
Trinity’s eyes widen, and through our bond, I feel a spike of arousal that makes my skin tingle. Her scentchanges subtly—a hint of spice beneath her usual sweetness.
“You shouldn’t threaten me with something that sounds like the perfect way to spend my break,” she says, leaning closer. “I was planning to rest after all this work on the venue.”
I reach out, brushing my fingers against her wrist where her pulse jumps beneath my touch. “Anytime, anyplace, princess.”
Trinity glances around to ensure no one is watching before pressing a quick kiss to my lips. “I’m going to hold you to that,” she whispers against my mouth before pulling away.
Her professional mask slides back into place as she spots the city councilman entering the venue. With one last meaningful look at me, she hurries toward him, shoulders back and confidence radiating from every step.
I watch her go, pride swelling in my chest. How much I love her is rivaled only by how much I’m going to love tying her down and eating her out until she begs me to stop. Maybe after that, she’ll finally understand that taking care of herself isn’t optional—it’s required.
Matheo
I slide up behind Trinity as the last guests make their way out of the venue, gently placing my hands on her waist and pressing a soft kiss to the back of her neck. She immediately leans into me, her body sagging with exhaustion as she finally lets her professional façade drop.
“You were incredible tonight,” I murmur against herskin, inhaling the scent that still drives me wild six months after our bonding.
“Thank you for being here.” Trinity turns in my arms, her smile tired but genuine. She gestures vaguely at the venue around us. “I know I’ve been a little crazy the last few weeks getting everything ready for the opening.”
“How are you holding up?” I ask, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She laughs softly. “I haven’t been this exhausted since I spent an entire plane ride across both the Indian and Atlantic oceans letting you all screw me raw.”
